ADL Applauds Senate Vote Against Anti-Semitism and Hate Crime

New York, NY, April 6, 2017 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) welcomed yesterday’s passage in the U.S. Senate of a resolution condemning anti-Semitism, hate crimes, bias and discrimination in all forms.

The resolution elevates a number of ADL recommendations, including the convening of an interagency task force to collaborate on the development of effective strategies to detect and deter hate crime and urging the Justice Department to work to improve hate crime reporting.

“We applaud the Senate for forcefully condemning hate in all its forms and for urging the federal government to take concrete steps to fight back against discrimination and bias-motivated crimes,” said Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL CEO. “Anti-Semitism and bigotry are affecting countries all over the world, and the U.S. is no exception. But the rigor of America’s response and the solidarity we demonstrate for each other across diverse communities is exceptional.”

There has been a significant increase in hate and bias related incidents targeting Jews and other communities like African Americans, Arabs, Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs. The most recent FBI statistics from 2015 showed that over half of all hate crimes driven by religious bias targeted Jews. In addition, hate crimes against Muslims increased more than 67%.

ADL has been a pioneer in drafting and promoting tough and effective hate crime laws across the country. The organization continues to work with both Congress and targeted communities to help track and improve responses to hate crimes across the country.

The Anti-Defamation League was founded in 1913 to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all. Today it is the world’s leading organization combating anti-Semitism, exposing hate groups, training law enforcement on hate crimes, developing anti-bias education programs for students, countering cyber-hate and relentlessly pursuing equal rights for all.